Laboratory of Geomorphology and Ecopedology

Head of Laboratory: Associate Researcher, PhD Ghennadi Sîrodoev Tel: +373 22739248;  E-mail: [email protected] The Geomorphology and Ecopedology Laboratory (LGE) was created in 2013 by merging the laboratories of Geology and Soil Evolution and Dynamic Geomorphology.

Laboratory staff and areas of activity:

Head of Laboratory:

Ghennadi Sîrodoev, Dr in Engineering Geology, Associate Researcher (Engineering Geology, Hydro-geology, Soil Mechanics, Geo-ecology, Geomorphology, Evolutionary Geography)

Scientific consultant:

Andrei Ursu, Academician, Dr Hab. in Soil Science, Univ. Prof. (Soil Science, Soil Geography, Soil Mapping, Ecology, Environmental Protection, Soil Protection and Improvement), tel. (+373) 22 728426, e-mail: [email protected]

Coordinators of scientific researchers:

Aureliu Overcenco, Dr in Geography, Associate Researcher (Environmental Protection, Soil Science, Geography, Soil Mapping and Protection, Soil Improvement and GIS), tel: (+373) 22728426, e-mail: [email protected]

Efrem Mițul, Dr in Geology and Mineralogy, Associate Researcher. (Geology, Geo-ecology, Geomorphology and Evolutionary Geography), tel: (+373) 22 739248; E-mail:  [email protected]

Ivan Marcov, Dr in Agriculture, Associate Researcher (Agro-chemistry, Soil Protection and Improvement), tel: (+373) 22 728426, e-mail: [email protected]

Senior scientific researchers:

Tatiana Bunduc, Dr in Geography, (Geomorphologic Mapping, Physical Geography, Natural Hazards and Landscaping, Evaluation of Geomorphologic and Soil Science Processes and Digital Space Modeling with GIS Technologies), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Stela Curcubăt, Dr in Geography, (Landscape, Geography and Soil Mapping, History of Soil Mapping, Environmental and Natural Resource Protection), tel: (+373) 22 728426, e-mail: [email protected]

Leonid Popov, Dr in Agriculture, Associate Researcher (Soil Science, Agro-Chemistry and Soil Protection), tel: (+373) 22 728426, e-mail: [email protected]

Vasilii Zagarovski, Dr in Geography, (Physical Geography and Geodynamic), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Scientific researchers:

Angela Canțîr, Specialist in Geography (Geomorphologic Mapping, Digital Space Modeling with GIS Technologies, Development of Thematic Maps for Assessment of Geomorphologic Risks and Processes), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Svetlana Serbina, Specialist in Geography (Physical Geography, Geomorphology, Geodynamics, Digital Space Modeling with GIS Technologies and Database Integration into Microsoft Access), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Leontie Ignatiev, Specialist in Geography (Physical Geography, Geomorphology, Geodynamics, Mapping of Exogenous Destructive Processes such as Landslides, Linear and Areolar Erosion), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Junior scientific researchers:

Marina Bucicova, Specialist in Geography (Geomorphology, Geodynamic, Mapping of Exogenous Destructive Processes such as Landslides), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Ana Gojinetchi, Specialist in Agro-chemistry (Physico-Chemical Analysis of Soils), tel: (+373) 22 728426, e-mail: [email protected]

Igor Podlesnii, Specialist in GIS (Interpolation and Numerical Modeling of the Land), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Vitalie Trepaduș, Specialist in GIS (writing scripts for viewing DEM), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Engineers:

Alexandru Gherasi, coordinating engineer, Specialist in Mapping (Decipher Aero-cosmic Materials, Vectorise and Develop Cartographic Materials), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Ion Taran, engineer of category I, Specialist in Ecology (Monitoring and Control of Environmental Factors, Assessment of Environmental Condition under Urban Conditions), tel: (+373) 22 739248, e-mail: [email protected]

Andrian Gîlcă, engineer. cat. I, spec. in geography (soil protection and geography - creation of the database), tel: (+373) 22 728426,e-mail: [email protected]

The main research directions are carried out in the fields of Geomorphology and Ecopedology.

Geomorphology

The relief instability is specific for the Republic of Moldova. The intense development of exogenous geomorphological processes, first of all, of rolling, drooping, linear erosion and landslides causes considerable material damage. In order to highlight the conditions and factors influencing the development of processes, as well as to look for ways of diminishing the possible damage, in 1975 was founded the Exogene Geomorphological Processes Laboratory by Dr Hab. Andrei T. Levadniuk.

Subsequently, depending on the problems that were to be faced by the laboratory for resolution, the direction of research and its name change. Thus, between 1991 and 2000 the name was Geomorphology Laboratory, then since 2001 the Dynamic Geomorphology Laboratory until 2013.

The lab was led consecutively by Andrei T. Levadniuk - Dr Hab. in the Geographical Sciences (1975-1987), Efrem Z. Miţul Dr in the Geological and Mineralogical Sciences (1988-2000) and by Ghennadi N. Sirodoev, PhD in the Geological and Mineralogical Sciences since 2001 till nowadays.

The research directions of research in the field of Geomorphology during the last 25 years have included:

• the study of the peculiarities of the development of the exogenous geomorphological processes, their role in the current modification of the relief and the conditions of human activity within the geomorphology department;
• environmental mapping for the purpose of protection and rational use of the relief.

Geomorphological research is carried out on two themes: fundamental and applicative.

Fundamental research: highlighting the factors, dynamics and developmental trends of exogenous geomorphological processes, assessing the impact of these unfavorable processes on the change of the territorial landscape and the vulnerability of terrestrial, human activities and human life conditions, geomorphologic risk and environmental mapping.

Applied research: developing and supporting the Geographic Information System for different environmental components and compilation of digital geographic maps
The research results serve as a scientific basis for the argumentation of measures to prevent the activation of relief modeling processes, the placement of linear objects and other types of objects in unstable territories.
The research methodology was based on a number of principles - spatial distribution, time division; integrating and applying the latest methods:

• geomorphological and geological mapping;
• remote sensing and aerospace interpretation;
• digital spatial modeling with the application of SIG technologies;
• statistical analysis;
• physical and mathematical modeling of exogenous processes.

The main results of the activity

• the complex approach to the assessment of the geomorphological and engineering conditions of the territories was elaborated;
• the particularities of the distribution and the factors of development of the exogenous geomorphological processes were highlighted;
• an evaluation methodology based on the geomorphological criteria of the susceptibility of the territories to the development of landslides was developed;
• principles of the location of linear engineering objects (road roads, railways, high voltage power lines, gas pipelines, etc.) were developed in unstable regions affected by landslides;
• recommendations have been developed on rational use and protection of sloping land;
• it was elaborated the structure and created the database of the Geomorphological Subsystem of the Geographical Information System with the compartments: Geology, Morphometry, Morphology, Landslides, Linear erosion, the manifestation of the overburden, karst, the mud torrents, the anthropic forms;
• there was created the structure and was elaborated the Electronic Atlas "Moldovan Geomorphology";
• it was realized the spatial modeling of landfills modification under the exogenous processes of relief formation;
• there have been evaluated the risks of exogenous geomorphological processes occurring in the landscapes of the forestry zone of the Republic of Moldova

Developed materials

• Map of landslides of Moldova (scale 1: 200 000);
• Map of the contemporary exogenous processes of Moldova (scale 1: 200 000);
• Map of anthropic changes of Moldova's relief (scale 1: 200 000);
• The influence of the geological and geomorphological processes on the formation of geo-ecological situations on the territory of Moldova (scale 1: 200 000);
• Map of the contemporaneous dynamic of the relief of Northwest Eurasia (within the borders of Russia and the Southeast countries). Scale 1: 5,000,000;
• Set of maps "Republic of Moldova. Geomorphologic Conditions of Moldova" (scale 1: 600 000 - 1: 2 000 000);
• Electronic Atlas "Geomorphology of Moldova";
• The Dniester river basin. The ecological atlas;
• Tourist Maps,
• Set of Atlases for Secondary School.

Relevant publications

1.  Доскач А.Г., Леваднюк А.Т., Чернов Г.Н. Эрозионные и оползневые процессы на территории Молдавии (сб. статей) – Кишинев: Штиинца, 1978. – 80 с.
2.  Леваднюк А.Т. Инженерно-геоморфологический анализ равнинных территорий. – Кишинев: Штиинца, 1983. – 256 с.
3.  Леваднюк А.Т., Мицул Е.З., Сыродоев Г.Н. и др. Оползнеопасные территории Молдавии и их рациональное использование. – Кишинев: Штиинца, 1990. – 124 с.
4.  Лю Ц.Ц., Сыродоев Г.Н., Оверченко А.В., Болфосу М.С. Ландшафты Молдовы. Оценка пространственных структур и форм. – Кишинев, 1998. – 70 с.
5.  Sîrodoev G.N. Modificarea antropogenă a reliefului şi influenţa ei asupra geosistemelor // Bul. Academiei de Ştiinţe a Moldovei. Ştiinţe biologice, chimice şi agricole. Nr. 1 (290). – Chişinău, 2003. – p. 122-126
6.  Sîrodoev G.N. (ed.). Republica Moldova. Condiţii geomorfologice (set de hărţi). – Chişinău: Iulian, 2006.
7. Constantinov T., Sîrodoev G.N., Miţul E., Ignatiev L., Gherasi A. ş. a. Republica Moldova. Hazardurile Naturale Regionale. – Chişinău: Tipogr. „Elena-V.I.” SRL, 2009. – 108 p.
8.  Sirodoev G.N., Sirodoev I., Sviridova A. Zoning of the Anthropogenic relief of urbanized territories // Buletinul Academiei de Ştiinţe a Moldovei. Ştiinţele vieţii, 2009, Nr. 1(307). – p. 152-158.
9.  Miţul E., Sîrodoev Gh. Geomorfologia. În: Flora Basarabiei (plantele superioare spontane) în 6 vol. Vol. I. Bryophyta, Lycopodiophyta, Equisetophyta, Pteridophyta, Pinophyta. Resp. de red. Andrei Negru. Ch.:„Universul” ÎS, 2011, p. 18-24.
10. Landslide Susceptibility Assessment in the Central Part of Republic of Moldova. Project No: SFP-983287. Final Report. Chişinău: S.n. 2013. 52 p.

In 2009, the Dynamic Geomorphology Laboratory for Achievements in the Development of Geographic Information Systems was awarded with ESRI prize (world renowned software developer for GIS).

Ecopedology

The Geomorphology and Ecopedology Laboratory (LGE) was created in 2013 by merging Dynamic Geomorphology and Geography and Soil Evolution Laboratories. The scientific research activities of the Laboratory are carried out in the fields of Geomorphology and Ecopedology.

The main directions of research in the field of Ecopedology during the last 25 years included:

• studying the laws of geographic distribution and the contemporary evolution of soils,
• highlighting the transformation of the soil cover under the influence of anthropic activity;
• classifying and studying soils as the basis of landfills;
• creating the information base and modernizing the methods for the automated characterization of the soil cover;
• the development of soil maps and soil informational systems at national level.

Currently, pedological research is carried out under the fundamental theme "Factors and Assessment of the Vulnerability of Territorial Units to Manifest Unfavorable Natural Processes in the Context of Global Environmental Changes". The purpose of the research is to highlight the variability of morphological indices of different soils in spatial and genetic-taxonomic aspect. The highlighted varieties will allow awareness of the variability and diversity of pedogenic processes within the different soils, deciphering the genetic composition of some complex areas, explaining the differentiation of soil productivity in the territorial units and so on.

Spectrum of scientific competence in the field of eco-pedology includes: geography and soil evolution, soil classification, pedo-geographic rationalization and appreciation of regional particularities of soil use and protection, typing the pedo-ecological potential of landscapes, soil research in geographic and geo-ecological environment, techno-genetic transformation and contemporary evolution of soils, assessment of soil suitability, assessment of ecological stability of soils, etc.

The main results  of the scientific activities:

• was identified, highlighted and characterized the techno-genetic transformation of the soils of the Republic of Moldova;
• was elaborated the new classification of soils of the Republic of Moldova in accordance with the principles of contemporary pedology (1999, 2004);
• was updated pedo-geographic background and regional features of soil use and protection (2006);
• was created database of soil morphological properties;
• carried out general soil characterization;
• was published monograph "Soils of Moldova" (2011);
• was elaborated and published Soil Map of the Republic of Moldova on scale 1: 750000 (2011);
• is periodically characterized the current state of Moldova's soil resources.

Among the information-didactic materials elaborated are:

• Soil map of the Republic of Moldova (scale 1: 1.500.000);
• Soil map of the Republic of Moldova (scale 1: 750.000);
• Map of the pedological provinces;
• Map of pedo-geographic areas and districts;
• Maps of pedo-geographic micro-districts;
• Map of pedo-geographic microwaves;
• Information leaflet "Soils of Moldova";
• Monographs, collections of scientific papers, scientific articles and popularization of science, booklets, recommendations (about 350 titles).

Relevant publications

1. Degradarea solurilor şi deşertificarea. Деградация почв и опустынивание. Sub redacţia academicianului Andrei Ursu. Chişinău: Tipografia Academiei de Ştiinţe a Republicii Moldova, 2000. 308 p.
2. Rezervaţia Naturală de stat “Plaiul Fagului”. Sub redacţia academicianului Andrei Ursu. Chişinău–Redenii-Vechi, Chişinău: Tipogr. Ed. “Universul”, 2005. 432 p.
3. Transformarea tehnogenetică a solurilor. Sub redacţia academicianului Andrei Ursu. Chişinău: Tipografia AŞM, 1996. 104 p.
4. Ursu A. Clasificarea solurilor Republicii Moldova, Chişinău, 1999. 48 p. (două ediții)
5. Ursu A. Raioanele pedogeografice şi particularităţile regionale de utilizare şi protejare a solurilor. Chişinău: Tipografia AŞM, 2006. 232 p.
6. Ursu A. Resursele de sol. În: Resursele naturale. Colecţia mediul geografic al Republicii Moldova, (aut. coord.: Mihăilescu C., Sochircă V., Constantinov T.). Chişinău: „Ştiinţa”, 2006a, p. 158-183.
7. Ursu A. Solurile Moldovei. Chişinău: Ştiinţa, 2011. 234 p.
8. Ursu A., Overcenco A. „Harta solurilor Republicii Moldova”. Scara 1:750000, INGEOCAD, Chişinău. 2011.
9. Ursu A., Barcari E. Solurile Rezervaţiei „Codrii”, Tipografia AŞM, Chişinău, 2011. 84 p.
10. Ursu A. Pedologie aplicativă. Domenii şi metode. Tipografia AŞM. Chişinău, 2011. 144 p.
11. Ursu A., Overcenco A., Marcov I., Curcubăt S. Chernozem: Soil of the Steppe. În: Soils as World Heritage. Editor DAVID DENT, Dordrecht Heidelberg New York London, “Springer”, 2013, p. 3-8.